My Top 10 Places to Stay in Tbilisi - From Economy to Luxury
By Tim Ogden
It is difficult even for locals and residents to say whether there are more places to eat or places to stay in Tbilisi; this phenomenon is truly a city-wide personification of Georgia’s legendary hospitality. Hostels, guest houses and hotels are littered throughout the city, and visitors will easily be able to find comfortable accommodation within their price range.
HOSTEL KONKA
Address: Nishnianidze Str.14
Located along the old city walls, this cosy hostel’s location could not be better placed. Everything in central Tbilisi is within walking distance, while Baritashvili Street (a central hub of bus and minibus transport) sits in front of the building. Freedom Square and its metro station are also a bare five minutes away.
The hostel provides beds in rooms accommodating eight, six and four respec- tively. Smaller rooms are priced marginally higher, but overall prices range between 19-30 GEL. Truly the best choice for any visitor travelling on a budget.
HOSTEL SHARK
Address: Aghmashenebeli Str. 144/2
This hostel has garnered a reputation for excellent food and friendly service amongst travelers. Situated on the stunning Aghmashenebeli Street, its low prices are uncommon in this upmarket part of the city. The hostel sells its own snacks and provides packed lunches for day trips, but guests are also free to prepare their own food in the shared kitchenette. Prices range between 40-60 GEL depending on the size of the room.
ORANGE INN
Address: Trialeti Str. 8
Between the airport and the city center, this charming five-room guest house offers private accommodation on a budget. A friendly family-run business, guests will truly be made to feel at home. Although the prices are similar to those of Tbilisi’s many hostels, each room has its own private bathroom. The nightly cost for a twin room is 50 GEL, while triple rooms range between 160-180 GEL. A car hire service is also available.
ORIEN ROYAL HOTEL
Address: Gogebashvili Str. 38
This hotel’s grandiose name belies its reasonable prices and excellent location. It’s a short walk from Rustaveli Avenue, and Tbilisi’s Old Town and the fashionable Vake district are equidis- tant from the hotel. Mtatsminda Park is a short hike further uphill. The old-fashioned elegance of the interior (complete with Russian billiards tables) cannot fail to charm any guest. Prices range between 60-150 GEL, depending on the size of the room.
ORION ECONOM
Address: Pavle Aslanidi Street (also known as Almasiani Str.) 19/21
This stylish hotel is located in Saburtalo, what is often referred to as Tbilisi’s downtown district. Other parts of the city are easily accessible through the nearby metro station and its proximity to main roads. Pleasant views of Tbilisi can be seen from the hotel’s balcony terrace. While every room is equipped with its own bathroom and minibar, a communal kitchen is available for guests who prefer to cook their own meals. Prices range between 80-170 GEL, notably cheap for the quality of rooms available.
BABILINA HOTEL
Address: Nishnianidze Str. 31
Another establishment sitting behind the old city walls, Babilina boasts a restaurant overlooking parts of Old Tbilisi: the Presiden- tial Palace, Sameba Cathedral and Narikala Fortress are all within sight. This comfortable hotel with friendly staff is ideally located close to Baritashvili Street, a transport hub in the center of the city, and Freedom Square with its metro station. Depending on the room size, prices range between 75-240 GEL.
BETSY’S HOTEL
Address: Makashvili Str. 32-34
Located at the foot of Mtatsminda Mountain, this hotel boasts stunning views of the city below it. As well as its comfortable rooms and outside swimming pool, this hotel has a small branch of Prospero’s bookshop and cafe within, and its bar is popular with the Tbilisi expatriate community; events such as pub quizzes are hosted several times a month. Prices range between 250-350 GEL.
DAVID SULTAN HOTEL
Address: P. Iashvili Str. 16A
A European-style hotel in Old Tbilisi, the David Sultan is situated very close to Freedom Square. Apart from its ideal location in the center of the city, its rooms are universally large and roomy, equipped with comfortable beds, large televisions and plush armchairs. Prices per night vary between 200-300 GEL.
TBILISI MARRIOTT
Address: 13 Rustaveli Ave.
The Marriott brand has two hotels in the city separated by two hundred meters and on opposite sides of Rustaveli Avenue. The main Marriott is a grand building built in the classical French architectural style which has witnessed many important historical events since its construction in the 1920s. Used as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Second World War, the building was burnt out during the Civil War of the 1990s but was restored to its former glory in the 2000s. Its Parnas cafe and restaurant serves European cuisine of the highest standards, making this hotel also a good place to have something to eat. Prices per night range between 500 and 1200 GEL.
HOTEL ROOMS
Address: 14 Kostava Str.
This simply stunning hotel has proved very popular with locals, visitors and residents alike. Similar to its sister hotel in Kazbegi, the beautiful wooden interior and retro décor contrast sharply with the appearance of other hotels in the country. Gourmet food is served in its restaurant, while a bar and club with the same ownership and a similar theme are just on the other side of the street. Truly a place worth visiting. Prices for rooms range between 500-1000 GEL.
